A Comparison of The Top Packs For Elk Hunting in 2023

by John Wren

Elk hunting is an exciting and challenging sport, requiring a great deal of preparation and skill. One of the most important pieces of gear for the successful elk hunter is the right pack. It needs to be the right size and have the right features to make your hunt as comfortable and successful as possible. In this article, we will compare and contrast the features of some of the top backpacks for elk hunting. We’ll look at their capacity, features, comfort, durability, and cost to help you determine which pack is the best fit for you. With the right pack, you can make the most of your elk hunting experience and come home with the trophy you’ve been dreaming of.

Your pack must be up to snuff to make sure your trip is enjoyable and successful.

We’ve cut through the noise and boiled down what you need to look for in your pack to a couple of the most essential considerations:

Main Use/Function: Do you hunt elk during the day and return to a camp at night? You’ll likely need to opt for a lighter daypack since you’ll be carrying less meat in the end and you want to be as comfortable as possible.

Do you disappear into the backcountry for days at a time? You’ll certainly need a bigger, fully featured bivy pack. For a frame of reference, if you’re looking for versatile daypacks that can pull double duty on lightweight overnight jaunts, somewhere between 1,800 and 2,200 cubic inches will probably get the job done.

Fit: It may not seem important at first, but over the course of long trips, your back and shoulders will pay for an improper fit. Your hips should bear the brunt of the load, the chest strap should fasten right over your chest, and the belt should fit snugly around the lower part of your waistline.

Though there are other considerations to take into account, function and fit should trump all in your search for a pack. With that in mind, we’ll explore some of the best elk hunting packs of the last few years.

Bestseller No. 1
Eberlestock M5 RMEF Team Elk Pack V2 – All-Around Hunting Pack - Mountain
  • The Team Elk Pack is unlike any other backpack on the market. It has unique features like the patented rifle-back scabbard, a comfortable aluminum frame meant to carry heavy loads and a meat carrying...
  • The pack includes a spacious floating lid, deep side pockets, and stretch-material pockets throughout the exterior of the pack. On the interior of the pack you will find stretch pockets and a...
  • The Team Elk pack was originally developed to provide backcountry elk hunters with the best and most innovative hunting pack available, and to simultaneously contribute funding to the most proactive...
  • Technical Specs: 27”H x 13.5”W x 8.5”D, 6.5 lbs. Volume: Bag (2175 c.i.), Lid (392 c.i.)
Bestseller No. 2
HUNTIT Hunting Backpack Multi Day Hunting Pack Camo Hunting Bag with Meat Compartment Hunting Day Pack with Built in Aluminum Frame Bow Rifle Holder(PRYM1 MP)
  • Versatile: This HUNTIT hunting backpack is a great hunting pack for short or long trips, it is built to accommodate single-day trips or multi-day excursions.You can pack light for a quick hunt or...
  • Expandable: The expandable main compartment of this hunting multi day pack offers customizable storage. An integrated, expandable meat compartment lets you safely store the spoils of a successful...
  • Ergonomic: Easily carry your rifle or your bow on your HUNTIT’s huntig pack thanks to the external attachment straps and rifle/cam boot.The hip belt features a holster attachment for your sidearm....
  • Comfortable: Adjustable torso options within the back paneling of the HUNTIT’s multi-day hunting backpack let you configure the pack to your exact shape for comfortable carrying.This field-tested...
  • Warranty Guaranteed: 30-Day free return policy for any undamaged products. Please contact us at the first time if you have any question,and we will be very glad to help solve any issues you come...
Bestseller No. 3
SPIKA Hunting Backpack Internal Frame for Men Waterproof Hunting Pack Camouflage with Rifle Holder Extendable 40L+ Capacity
  • Capacity:Extendable 40L+ storage capacity can carry the items needed for day trips and long-distance sports to a greater extent.
  • Materials:Durable 500D treated nylon body can prevent splashing and keep the backpack dry.ykk zippers.Industry leading duraflex hardware lightweight makes the bag more comfortable to use.
  • Internal design: Ykk zippers can quick access to main compartment,Multiple compartments which categorizes items of different categories.Backpack comes with front stash pocket,external water bladder...
  • External design:Roll top snow collar and Side pockets, Removable hood and Rain cover can effectively protect the exterior of the backpack,with rifle holder and walking pole and ice axe attachment.
  • Removable Frame:Internal frame can minimize the burden on the backpack,suitable for the outdoorsman that wants to go in light and come out heavy.
Bestseller No. 4
WilStein External Frame Backpack Load 130lb, Hunting Backpack Frame Only, Hunting Pack Frame for Elk Game Hauling, External Frame Hiking Backpacks, Khaki
  • 【Mighty Outdoor Warrior】 Boosting your load capacity and carrying space. Crafted with high-quality aluminum alloy frame, the frame backpack is Lightweight yet Sturdy, capable of hoisting a...
  • 【Focused Hiker】 Abundant stability and security make light work of backpacking with heavy loads, mitigating sway, and eliminating safety concerns. Two Vertically Adjustable Straps for securing and...
  • 【Effortless Load Carrier】 Ensuring comfort, mitigating fatigue, and conserving energy. The metal frame's burdens are distributed evenly across the body, strategically aligning with ergonomic...
  • 【Hunters, Fishers, Explorers, Climbers, Rescuers – You Could became Any】 Versatile for not just outdoor adventures but also everyday life and even rescue missions. Whether you're hunting,...
  • 【Patiently Awaits Your Next Adventure】 the external frame hiking backpacks fold neatly for storage in your vehicle or home, requiring just a 28 x 15 x 6 Inch space. When not in use, it sits...
Bestseller No. 5
ALPS OutdoorZ Coyote Brown, One Size
  • Durable, water-resistant Ripstop fabric withstands heavy use and harsh hunting environments. Top loading, spindrift collar with draw cord secures main compartment.
  • Organize your gear in one of many pockets: main pocket, side spotting scope pocket, two hinged side accessory pockets, front pockets and waist belt pouches
  • Detach pack bag and use the frame to haul out meat with a unique, secure lashing system; Anodized cotter and clevis pin design for easy adjustability
  • Hydration compatible, lower door access for main pocket, drop-down rifle holder pocket, webbing loops for lashing
  • Total Weight: 7 lbs. 15 oz.; Pack Bag Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.; Capacity: 5250 in³/86 L; Torso Range: 17” – 23”; Waist Belt Range: 33” – 60”

Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with any of these hunting products.

Even if you don’t find your dream pack among the options here, hopefully, this article served as a jumping off point and an introduction (or a refresher) of some good sources for elk hunting season. We hope you found the perfect elk hunting pack and good luck on your elk hunt!

Elk hunting is amazing. But if you are looking for something less grandiose that you can enjoy with the kids, we’ve got a guide on quail hunting with kids. Take a look.

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1 comment

Luke Stephens December 19, 2018 - 12:09 pm

I just recently used many of these in my recent elk hunt in Montana. I love the frame fit of the Elberlestock packs but the weight of the empty pack makes for a day pack that is like carry a thru-hike long haul load. I am also not so sure the weight distribution would work well once you start loading elk sized quarters on it.

The Tenzing packs… Let me say all flash no delivery. Don’t like. Strictly for day hunting (no pack out) they are ok. Reality these days is that all elk hunts are going to result in some pack out.

I settle for now on Seek Outside packs. I have 2 frames (in their breakaway series) and 4 bags. For versatility I LOVE the Saker 7400. It is my 1 go-to pack. I can go from a 1200 – 7400 cu in pack in increments of 1200/2400/5300/7400. For one pack I can cover day jaunts to 5+ day trips. The pack is light. It is 4ish pounds empty. Seek Outside packs are already water resistant so you don’t have to take a rain fly. Another good one would be the Peregrine.

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